Understanding Menopause: Symptoms, Stages & What to Expect

Just what is this thing called menopause? And what does it have
to do with you?

Simply stated, menopause is a biological event that marks the
end of a woman’s menses and hence her natural reproductive
cycle. Perimenopause is defined as the period beginning with the
signs of approaching menopause and ending about 12 months after
“the menopause”.

Worldwide, menopause has as a variety of meanings. Each and
every woman’s experience is based on her physical and emotional
well being as well as her social and cultural environments.
While some view menopause as a decline in status, others see it
as a rite of passage. In other words, there are huge physical,
emotional and social influences involved in your experience of
menopause and aging.

That said, what you really want to know is – “What will I
experience”?

This is tricky, as the answer is different for every woman. Some
women barely notice a warm flush, while others have an intense
reaction. So as you read some of the more common occurrences,
please keep in mind – you will do you own thing.

• Power
  Surges, night sweats (they can be all day!) and chills
• Insomnia, and/or poor quality of sleep
• Urinary
  frequency, discomfort and sometimes leakiness
• Vaginal
  dryness, irritation and possibly discomfort with sexual
  activity
• Moodiness. Perhaps some irritation,
  nervousness, anxiety and depression.
• Diminished libido
  (sexual desire)
• Memory issues! Some women call this
  “the pause” (among other things).
• Joint pain and
  stiffness
In case you think all the reactions are
negative, take a look at some of the more positive and more
important changes that happen to women.
• Freedom
• Joy
• Greater sense of Creativity
• A sense of
  peace that has not been previously been present.
• Wisdom
  that only comes to those with time and conscious living.
Just as there are many responses to the onset of menopause,
there are many approaches you can take to meet these changes. As
with anything, you must weigh any risk against the benefit (this
is especially true when you consider hormone therapy), your
belief system, and finally, you must find something that works
for you.

Most approaches are common sense and actions we need to take
daily. Others are meant to challenge your thinking and open your
mind. Possible ways to approach menopause include:

• Healthy food and fluid intake.
• Nutriceuticals such
  as vitamins and herbal supplements
• Exercise at least 30
  minutes daily.
• Traditional Chinese Medicine such has
  acupuncture, Chinese herbs, Qi Gong and Tai Chi
• Adjust
  your attitude! Laugh and have fun. Hang out with your
  girlfriends and delight in NOT being 25 again!
• Meditation, visualization and biofeedback
• Natural,
  Bio-identical and pharmaceutical grade hormone therapy
This is a time of your life where you can count on change, and
the growth that comes from it. As the power surges through our
bodies, we grow into the women we are meant to be. We fulfill
our goals and move on to make new ones. While our focus is
inward, our outward gaze sharpens and our dreams are manifested
for all to celebrate. It really is a magnificent time.